How can I care for Natural Stone?

Stone Maintenance Cycle

Stones are natural materials and so it is very important to maintain them properly in order to sustain their aesthetic values. Proper care of natural stones also increase their durability. Once installed, well planned maintenance schedules should be developed to care the stones.
Before finalizing the maintenance program, you should first understand that due to natural factors the hardness, density and absorbency of stones differ from each other. So it is essential to know which type of stone you are using and their distinctive characteristics. Then only you can decide which chemicals, pads, brushes and equipments are required to maintain that particular type of stone.
Normally, the stone maintenance cycle has three segments:
1) Preventive/Preservation Measures
2) Maintenance
3) Restoration

1) Preventive/Preservation Measures:

Due to weathering and absorbent nature of stones, following preventive measures must be taken before installing them.
I) Take proper advice and guidance from qualified professionals on the type of stone you are using, this will help you to understand the density, hardness, pore or capillary structure, nature of polish of the stone and gain necessary knowledge about chemicals and procedures to deal with them.
ii) Prepare the surface properly and apply walk-off entrance matting.
iii) During installation, use penetrating sealer to protect the interior of the stone.

2) Maintenance:


More often than not, the beauty and durability of stones depend on proper maintenance. Importantly, one must be aware that there are different caring procedures and techniques for different stones and hence, stones must be identified first in order to select the right cleansers, brushes etc. However, there are some standard maintenance techniques applicable to all stones:

I) you should do dust mopping on a regular basis. Rayon mops are preferable and the mops should be clean, cared laundered properly.

ii) You should be vigilant on the surrounding environment and if there are pits or cracks, repair them immediately with correct adhesive.
iii) Prompt spill pick-ups are important to prevent future etching and staining.

iv) Polish stones frequently with polishing compounds. This is important to revive the original polished finishes.
v) Regularly apply Poultice powder for extraction of most stains from stones.

3) Restoration:

Due to weathering and other natural phenomenons, restoration of stones is necessary from time to time to prolong the natural beauty of your investment. It is important to carefully examine the causes for which restoration is required. Then only you can determine which type of restoration is required:

I) Broken or damaged stones should be repaired, and missing grouts replaced.
ii) Due to years of use, stones might develop abrasions, scratches, wear and tear. So resurfacing of the surface should be done as needed and by a skill technician using abrasive and other special equipments. You can find a skillful restoration technician at the Natural Stone Restoration Alliance (NSRA) www.nsraweb.com
iii) Due to environmental factors, the natural binders and masonry materials of stones gradually deteriorate at some point of time. So consolidation and densification of stones should be performed when required.
iv) With time, stones loose their shine if kept unattended. So re-polishing them properly is another important aspect of the restoration job.